Team that can be deployed. ⢠Network of institutions and researchers across Texas ... Sugarcane may be expanding as bi
Institute for the Study of Invasive Species (ISIS)
Jerry L. Cook Executive Director Professor of Biology & Associate Vice Pres. for Research Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
ISIS Collaborating Institutions
The ISIS Team • 40+ researchers on faculty in TSUS • 6 ISIS staff (non-teaching) • Center at Sam Houston State University
ISIS Mission • Early Detection/Rapid Response – Citizen scientists – Strike team
• • • • •
Expert Identification GIS/Modeling Species research Outreach Collaboration with other experts
ISIS A comprehensive center dealing with invasive species
Database and Outreach www.tsusinvasives.org/ – Alerts – Invasive species database – Experts list – Citizen scientist page – Early detection/rapid response – Invasives 101 – Links to resources
Early Detection Rapid Response • Team that can be deployed • Network of institutions and researchers across Texas
GIS
Analytical Lab
Molecular Genetics Lab
Museum Collections
Insect Toxicology Lab
Economic Analysis
How We Compare • Georgia Invasive Species Task Force – Mostly database and outreach
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership – Database and python eradication
• Mississippi State Geophysical Research Institute – Aquatic plant projects, cactus moth project, GIS
• Colorado State University – Database and modeling
Examples of Activities
Emerald Ash Borer • Part of collaborative effort • ~1000 traps • Three ISIS teams
Survey of Buprestidae (value added survey) 34 species Distribution map Specimens deposited
Red Streaked Leafhopper Balclutha rubrostriata
Phytoplasms, Leafhoppers, & Imminent Danger • Phytoplasms evolved with leafhoppers • Small group of leafhoppers appear to be involved • Seven phytoplasms effect sugarcane • Sugarcane may be expanding as biofuel • Monitoring program is needed
Red Streaked Leafhopper and KR Bluestem
Current Status • Early genetic testing – Positive test for phytoplasm – Negative for white leaf phytoplasm
• Distribution not fully understood • What is needed – Distribution and association with bluestem – Checking phytoplasms – Management strategy
